What Happens to Adults with Severe Autism?
August 15, 2024
Discover the realities of severe autism in adults: challenges, support, employment, and mental health. What happens to adults with severe autism?
Challenges Faced by Severely Autistic Adults
Severely autistic adults encounter unique challenges that impact their daily lives and overall well-being. Two significant challenges faced by individuals with severe autism are communication difficulties and sensory sensitivities.
Communication Difficulties
Severely autistic adults often experience significant challenges in expressing themselves and understanding others. Verbal communication may be limited or absent, requiring alternative forms of communication such as gestures, sign language, or augmented communication devices. These individuals may struggle to comprehend verbal instructions or engage in conversations, leading to difficulties in social interactions and relationships. It is important to provide appropriate support and accommodations to enhance their communication skills and help them effectively express their thoughts, needs, and desires.
Sensory Sensitivities
Many severely autistic adults experience sensory sensitivities, which can significantly impact their daily lives. These sensitivities may include hypersensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or tastes. Everyday environments and activities that are typically tolerable for neurotypical individuals can become overwhelming or distressing for those with severe autism. Sensory overload can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, and a desire to withdraw from certain situations. Understanding and accommodating these sensitivities by creating sensory-friendly environments can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with severe autism.
Addressing communication difficulties and sensory sensitivities is essential in supporting the well-being of severely autistic adults. By providing appropriate interventions, therapies, and individualized support, we can enhance their ability to communicate effectively and navigate sensory experiences more comfortably. This, in turn, promotes their overall development, independence, and participation in daily activities. For further information on how autism affects daily life in adults, refer to our article on how autism affects daily life in adults.
Recognizing the strengths of individuals with severe autism and nurturing them through appropriate support systems is crucial. By understanding and addressing the challenges faced by severely autistic adults, we can empower them to achieve remarkable milestones and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Daily Living Skills
For individuals with severe autism, developing and maintaining daily living skills can be particularly challenging. These skills encompass various aspects of everyday life, including personal hygiene and household tasks. The difficulties faced in these areas can impact an individual's ability to live independently and engage in daily activities without support.
Personal Hygiene
Severely autistic adults may face challenges in developing and maintaining personal hygiene practices, such as bathing, brushing teeth, and grooming. These difficulties can arise due to sensory sensitivities, which are common among individuals with autism. Sensory sensitivities can manifest as hypersensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or tastes, making certain hygiene activities overwhelming or distressing for the individual.
To support autistic adults in improving their personal hygiene skills, it is important to create a sensory-friendly environment. This can involve adjusting the lighting, using sensory-friendly products, and providing visual cues or social stories to help individuals understand and follow a routine. Patience, understanding, and a person-centered approach are essential in assisting autistic adults with their personal hygiene needs.
Household Tasks
Managing household tasks can also pose significant challenges for severely autistic adults. These tasks may include cleaning, cooking, laundry, and organizing personal belongings. Difficulties in this area can be related to executive functioning skills, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with organization and planning.
To support autistic adults in developing household skills, it is important to break tasks down into smaller, manageable steps. Providing visual schedules, checklists, or task prompts can help individuals understand and follow a routine. It may also be beneficial to utilize assistive technologies or adaptive tools to enhance their ability to engage in household tasks independently.
Additionally, it is crucial to recognize that not all individuals with severe autism will be able to fully manage household tasks independently. In such cases, providing appropriate support and accommodations can help them participate to the best of their abilities. This may involve assistance from caregivers, therapists, or support services tailored to the individual's needs.
By understanding the challenges faced by individuals with severe autism in daily living skills, we can work towards providing the necessary support and resources to enhance their independence and quality of life. It is important to take a person-centered approach, focusing on individual strengths and needs, to create an environment that promotes their well-being and autonomy. For more information on how autism affects daily life in adults, refer to our article on how autism affects daily life in adults.
Support and Resources for Autistic Adults
Autistic adults require support and access to resources to help them navigate various aspects of adult life. These resources can provide assistance in areas such as therapy options and employment support.
Therapy Options
Therapy plays a vital role in supporting autistic adults. It can help address specific challenges, enhance communication skills, and improve overall well-being. A range of therapies is available to meet the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Behavioral therapy: A commonly recommended therapy for autistic adults, behavioral therapy focuses on addressing problematic behaviors and teaching new skills. It aims to improve social interactions, communication, and daily living skills.
- Cognitive therapy: This type of therapy helps individuals develop strategies to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive therapy can be beneficial for addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns that may co-occur with autism.
- Speech therapy: Communication difficulties are common among individuals with autism. Speech therapy can help improve language skills, including speech production, comprehension, and social communication.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on developing skills necessary for daily living, such as personal hygiene, household tasks, and self-care. It aims to enhance independence and functional abilities.
It's important to note that the availability and quality of therapy services may vary depending on location. Families and individuals should explore local resources and consult with professionals to determine the most suitable therapy options.
Employment Support
Finding and maintaining employment can be challenging for autistic adults, but there are resources and initiatives aimed at providing employment support. Many large corporations, such as Ernst & Young, SAP, and Ford, have recognized the value of hiring individuals on the autism spectrum and have implemented neurodiversity programs to support autistic employees.
In addition to corporate programs, there are organizations that focus on hiring and supporting autistic employees, such as Rising Tide. These initiatives aim to create inclusive work environments that accommodate the strengths and abilities of autistic individuals.
Government agencies and community organizations also offer employment support services for autistic adults. These services can include job training, vocational rehabilitation, and assistance in finding suitable employment opportunities.
It's important for autistic adults and their families to explore available resources in their local area. Services may include career support, work programs, and job placement services. The availability and accessibility of these resources can vary depending on the state or region.
By accessing therapy options and employment support, autistic adults can receive the assistance they need to enhance their overall well-being, develop necessary skills, and pursue meaningful employment opportunities. These resources play a crucial role in empowering autistic individuals to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
Transitioning to Adulthood
As individuals with autism reach adulthood, they face a unique set of challenges and transitions. This period can be particularly significant for newly diagnosed individuals and their families, as they navigate the changes in support and services. Navigating adult services becomes an essential aspect of ensuring the well-being and quality of life for autistic adults.
Newly Diagnosed Individuals
For individuals who receive an autism diagnosis later in life, the transition to adulthood can bring about a range of emotions and uncertainties. It is important for newly diagnosed individuals to seek appropriate support and resources to help them understand their diagnosis and develop strategies for managing their unique needs.
Organizations like Autism Speaks offer resources and support for newly diagnosed individuals, empowering them to learn more about their condition and connect with others facing similar experiences [3]. Through these resources, individuals can gain valuable insights into autism, explore therapeutic options, and access strategies for managing their daily lives.
Navigating Adult Services
As individuals with autism transition to adulthood, they encounter changes in the availability and nature of support services. The moment a disabled person turns 22, they are no longer covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Adult services for autistic individuals are not entitlements and may vary in availability. This transition can create a "services cliff" for families, where the support they previously received may no longer be accessible.
Navigating adult services can be a complex process, as services for adults with autism are eligibility-based rather than entitlement-based. This means that the availability and appropriateness of programs may vary, potentially leading to challenges for autistic adults who have different needs from other adults with developmental disorders. Additionally, not all schools are equipped to provide appropriate transition programs, and parents often need to conduct research, find resources, and provide guidance to schools.
Parents often play a significant role in finding resources and support for their adult children with autism. They may leverage their own resources and networks to help their loved ones access appropriate services. It is essential for families to be proactive in seeking out services and advocating for their adult children to ensure they receive the support they need.
Transitioning to adulthood for individuals with severe autism involves understanding the changes in support systems, exploring therapy options, and accessing appropriate adult services. By staying informed, seeking out resources, and building a strong support network, individuals with severe autism can navigate this transition with greater ease and maximize their potential for a fulfilling and independent life.
Mental Health and Well-being
When it comes to adults with severe autism, mental health and well-being are important aspects to consider. Autistic adults often face unique challenges that can impact their mental health. Two significant areas of concern are anxiety and depression, as well as associated chronic medical illnesses.
Anxiety and Depression
Autistic adults have high rates of associated mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. It is not uncommon for individuals with severe autism to experience these conditions alongside their autism diagnosis. The prevalence of anxiety and depression among autistic adults underscores the need for appropriate support and interventions.
Mental health therapy can be beneficial for autistic adults, providing strategies to cope with communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and social situations. However, it is important to note that the availability of knowledgeable providers and accommodating treatments can be limited, leading to unmet needs for mental healthcare [6]. Autistic adults often face challenges in navigating the healthcare system and accessing appropriate mental health services.
Associated Chronic Medical Illness
In addition to anxiety and depression, autistic adults may also experience chronic medical illnesses that are associated with their condition. These medical conditions can vary and may include gastrointestinal issues, sleep disorders, epilepsy, and immune system disorders. Managing these chronic medical illnesses is crucial for the overall well-being of autistic adults.
It is important for autistic adults to have access to comprehensive healthcare that addresses both their mental health and medical needs. Unfortunately, there are often barriers to receiving appropriate care, including a lack of trained providers and system-level challenges. Efforts should be made to improve the availability of knowledgeable providers and ensure that healthcare systems are equipped to accommodate the unique needs of autistic adults.
By recognizing the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and associated chronic medical illnesses among autistic adults, we can work towards providing better support and resources. It is essential to prioritize mental health and overall well-being for individuals with severe autism, ensuring that they have access to the necessary interventions and healthcare services.
Employment Opportunities for Autistic Adults
Finding suitable employment opportunities for individuals with severe autism can be challenging. However, efforts are being made to increase employment rates and create inclusive work environments for autistic adults. In this section, we will explore the current employment rates for autistic adults and the challenges they may face in work situations.
Current Employment Rates
Despite international efforts to advance employment for autistic adults, the current employment rates remain relatively low. According to research, a low percentage of autistic adults are employed at any given point in time, and some who are employed may struggle in their work situations.
Here are some employment rate statistics from different countries: (NCBI)
Country Employment Rate for Autistic Adults
- Canada: 22%
- Australia: 42%
- United States: 58% for autistic adults in their early 20s
These statistics highlight the need for continued efforts to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for autistic adults.
Challenges in Work Situations
Autistic adults may face various challenges in work situations. These challenges can include difficulties with communication, social interactions, and sensory sensitivities. The specific challenges experienced may vary depending on the individual.
However, it is worth noting that many large corporations and smaller companies are recognizing the value of hiring employees on the autism spectrum. These companies have implemented neurodiversity programs and initiatives to support and accommodate autistic employees. Some examples of companies with such programs include Ernst & Young, SAP, Ford, and Rising Tide.
Creating inclusive work environments that embrace neurodiversity can lead to positive experiences for both employers and autistic employees. Employers have reported favorable outcomes in terms of work productivity, skills, and employee costs when hiring autistic adults. This growing receptivity by the general public and positive experiences with inclusive hiring practices help to increase employment opportunities for autistic individuals.
To further advance employment opportunities for autistic adults, it is recommended to focus on nurturing long-term employment success, providing ongoing community-wide support, offering professional development based on individuals' strengths, developing comprehensive and accessible community resources, and upholding the goal of allowing autistic adults to have a good life on their own terms.
By working towards these goals, society can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that allows autistic adults to access meaningful employment opportunities and thrive in the workplace.
